This Homemade Creme de Cassis recipe will make a homemade liqueur that you can use in cocktails, add to wine or champagne or just drink on its own. All you need are black currants, vodka, and sugar. It's sweet, dark, delicious, and easy to make!
Most of you know I love to grow as many things as possible every year. When we moved into our house a few years ago I planted a black currant and white currant bush.
We finally got a decent crop after a few years other than the occasional handful. I was so excited of course I posted a photo of my beautiful black currants. One of my good friends saw the photo and immediately said: "You should make homemade creme de cassis". To sum it up, after a quick head smack, I thought to myself: "Of course, I should!!"
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You'll love this Homemade Creme de Cassis Recipe because it creates a deliciously sweet and fruity liqueur that's perfect for mixing into cocktails or drizzling over desserts, similar to my Vanilla Vodka. With its rich blackcurrant flavor and simple preparation, it's a delightful addition to any home bar or kitchen.
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What is Crème de Cassis?
Cassis is the French name for blackcurrants, and crème de cassis is a liqueur made from blackcurrants steeped in neutral spirits, with lots of sugar added. I've always loved crème de cassis, and it's pretty easy to find at your liquor store. With this recipe, you can make it at home!
How To Make Creme de Cassis
- Start with clean and pesticide-free black currants. Place the black currants, vodka, sugar, and cinnamon stick into a large jar that seals (like a mason jar). Place the lid on the jar and shake all of the ingredients together.
- Store in a cool, dark place like a basement or lower cabinet. For 3 months, shake the jar every 2-3 days (or as you remember).
- After 3 months, strain the mixture with a fine-mesh strainer and pour the liquid into a sealable bottle.
- Allow the liqueur to mature for 2 more months for optimal taste.
What type of alcohol should I use?
Vodka is the best alcohol because it has a neutral taste and can pick up other flavors very well. That being said, don't use a flavored vodka or a vodka with many botanicals.
Don't use expensive vodka. Certainly, if you go cheap, you will taste it. In other words, the middle of the road is best. I used Tito's Vodka, which is inexpensive for its quality.
What to use Creme de Cassis for:
- Drink as a digestif or an aperitif
- Give it as a gift
- Cocktails! (see one of my recipes below)
- Make a classic Kir Royale, just add to champagne or sparkling wine
- Add to white wine
Creme de Cassis Cocktail Recipe
- 1½ oz. Gin
- ½ oz. Creme de Casis
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 egg white
- Add the egg white to an empty shaker and shake for 20-30 seconds.
- Put the rest of the ingredients, along with ice, and shake again for another 20 to 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with lemon or grapefruit peel and enjoy!
If you get a chance to make this Homemade Creme de Cassis recipe, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Homemade Creme de Cassis
Equipment
- sealable jar (like a Mason jar)
Ingredients
- 2 cups black currants, rinsed (pesticide-free)
- 3 cups vodka
- 1 cup sugar ( I used demerara )
- ½ cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Place the black currants, vodka, sugar, and cinnamon stick into a large jar that seals (like a mason jar). Place the lid on the jar and shake all of the ingredients together. Store in a cool dark place like a basement or lower cabinet.
- For 3 months, shake the jar every 2-3 days (or as you remember).
- After 3 months, strain the mixture and pour the liquid into a sealable bottle. Allow the liqueur to mature for 2 more months for optimal taste. Cheers!
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Stephanie Baumgartner says
After bottling, how long will it last? I forgot about a bottle a friend made and gave me December 2024. It’s now July 2025. Still good? I did open it to try it in December.
Emily says
Hi Stephanie, it depends on how you have stored it. If you refrigerated it, it should be ok. If not, if it was in a cool dark place and sealed well, it will also most likely still be ok. High temps and oxygen are the enemy. You would see mold/spots at the top or bottom of the bottle or it will smell off.
Stephanie says
Thank you! I see no mold and will refrigerate now. I followed your recipe and it’s been 6 days. I showed a friend and she said I should have squished the currants first so it infuses better because the alcohol can’t penetrate the skin.
Emily says
Hi, 6 days is no problem, mine last a long time when I make it. Your friend is right, you can mash the berries for even more flavor. You will get some fruit pieces in the liquid so strain when using if you don't want them in your glass. Enjoy!
Linora Bennet says
Hi Emily, would you mind if I ask a question? You say store in an airtight jar for 3 months. What I can't find out is exactly how the mixture will change/mellow/mature if stored in an airtight jar (so why leave it as long as 3 months!?)? Mine is stored in an airtight glass Kilner jar - I made it 2 weeks ago and it hasn't changed at all, in taste or colour. Both of which are very nice!!
Grateful if you could answer my question!
Best wishes,
Linora
Emily says
Hi Linora, the flavors will infuse more and smooth out as the liqueur sits and the color should deepen. However, if you are enjoying the way it is now, going ahead and strain and enjoy!
Chuck Pelto says
RE: KIr
1/2 oz Creme de Cassis
6 oz Chablis
Emily says
Great combo!
Gina Abernathy says
Sounds so refreshing!
Genevieve says
This cocktail sounds delicious and perfect for summer!
Emily says
Defintiely a summer favorite!
Julia says
I've never ever considered making a creme de cassis before and yet I do and have made sloe gin. This is such a fantastic liqueur to use in fruity puddings and I grow black currants so I'm going to give this a go.
Emily says
A pudding with creme de cassis sounds amazing! Let me know how it turns out!
Gabriela Herrera says
No freaking way I love currants. It is a top seller in my area. This is a must try.
Emily says
Yes! All it takes is a big jar and some patience. 😂
Gregory Halpen says
As soon as I can find fresh currants - I am making this recipe. Looks super delicious. A perfect addition to a summer cocktail.
Emily says
The best time is usually July...so hang tight and get ready for some delicious liqueur!
Nora says
Your recipe is so great! I can finally make crème de cassis myself at home! I'm totally happy! Thanks for sharing!
Emily says
So glad to hear it, Nora! I love it when you can make something you like at home.
Sue says
I love this! I never know what to do with black currants, but this is definitely the best answer! Homemade Creme de Cassis, here I come!
Emily says
Black currants can be tricky since they are on the sour side but this recipe will give you a delicious liqueur worth picking those berries for!